Cover Story

San Francisco Ballet Principal Madeline Woo Is a Forward-Thinking Force

You probably first saw Madeline Woo on social media. She popped to the forefront of the digital dance consciousness in the early 2020s, when clips of her in class at Royal Swedish Ballet went viral. Now with San Francisco Ballet, Woo is a forward-looking force in ballet: a celebrated principal who prioritizes being relatable, an exacting technician with a focus on individuality, and a multidimensional artist whose influence extends far beyond the stage.

Caitlin Sims
The cover of the May/June 2026 issue of Dance Magazine. Madeline Woo poses on pointe in a 180-degree front extension, her upstage hand pulling her downstage leg toward her. She looks cooly over her shoulder at the camera, her free arm extended long behind her. She wears a black leotard, ripped cut-off black tights, pointe shoes, a black shrug with cutouts over the shoulders and elbows, and legwarmers over one knee and one ankle. The cover lines read "Madeline Woo: Ballet's International It Girl" and "The Style Issue."
Cover Story

Madeline Woo

The international it girl has taken San Francisco Ballet—and social media—by storm.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!